An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo wins his second Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal holds the trophy for world player of the year at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. 
Portugal and Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Monday January, 13 in Kongresshaus, Zurich.
This is his second time winning the FIFA Player of the Year. This also marks the first time in four years that the FC Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, does not walk away with the award.
CR7 was visibly emotional when accepting the award.
Ronaldo stated after receiving the award, “First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team. Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.
“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved,” he added.
The Portuguese international striker was sensational in 2013. He helped his club win La Liga, toppling FC Barcelona, and put Portugal on his back and qualified them for the 2014 World Cup.
Some of the most important names in the soccer world attended the gala. Apart from naming the top player for 2013, the top female soccer player in the world, the world’s ideal 11, Coach of the Year and the best goal of the year were awarded.
Brazil’s soccer legend Pele displays the honorary prize he received at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. 
FIFA honored the greatest player to ever grace the game, Pele. The three-time World Cup winner never won the Ballon d’Or during his historic playing career –this was due to the fact he played in South America and only players based in Europe are eligible for this award.
The Brazilian was awarded the first-ever FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter stated, “In the great sweep of history, there are few names that stand out. But when we think of football, there is one name that leaps out above all others.
“No player has had such an influence on the game. No one has inspired so many to play. His legacy speaks to us all. His verve and skill were timeless. His creativity limitless, his good nature boundless.”
Women’s player of the year
German international Nadine Angerer was voted the 2013 Woman’s Player of the Year. The German shot-stopper beat out the 2012 Player of the Year in American Abby Wambach and five-time winner Marta of Brazil.
The FIFA “dream team” with the best goal keeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards stands at the stage at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. 
The top 11 players in the world as voted by FIFA
Manuel Neuer (Ger – Bayern Munich), Dani Alves (Bra – FC Barcelona), Thiago Silva (Bra – Paris Saint Germain), Sergio Ramos (Spa – Real Madrid), Philipp Lahm (Ger – Bayern Munich), Franck Ribery (Fra – Bayern Munich), Xavi Hernandez (Spa – FC Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Spa – FC Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Arg – FC Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Swe – Paris Saint Germain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Por – Real Madrid)
Jupp Heynckes won Coach of the Year
The former treble-winning coach of FC Bayern Munich was named the Coach of the Year by FIFA. The German led his squad to a historic season, steamrolling past every opponent that stood in their way.
Heynckes stated, “I’m tremendously thankful to be here to pick up this award today. It means a lot to pick up an award right at the end of my career. Normally in team sports it is often difficult to put things together like this. It isn’t just down to me this is down to the whole club, Bayern Munich, everybody that has been working with me during this period.
“We have been blessed with world-class players and they produced amazing performances. The coaching staff have also lent their weight. I want to thank everybody that has pulled together and helped me to produce this winning team.
“Maybe ten years ago, I wouldn’t even have dreamt of this. I am humbled and happy to be standing here. Thank you very much,” concluded Heynckes.
Goal of the Year
The fans had their say, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was voted the winner of the Puskas award. His incredible bicycle kick against England –one of four goals that night–, beat out the spectacular striker by Nemanja Matic of Benfica against Porto and Neymar’s goal against Japan in the opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup.
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